“I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to represent Essex,” Ryder, 29, said in a statement on the Essex website.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time as I want to get as much cricket as possible over the New Zealand winter. It’s an added bonus that there are a few guys I have played with before, the side looks very strong, and they have got off to a good start for the season.”

The move remains subject to visa approval, but New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have signed a no-objection certificate.

Ryder, a big-hitting left-handed batsman, is due to join Essex at the start of May and will feature in all formats of the game for the County Championship Division Two outfit.

He is not currently being considered for New Zealand selection after he and team-mate Doug Bracewell were disciplined for being caught in an Auckland bar on the eve of a Test match against India in February.

Previously, Ryder had to be placed into a medically-induced coma in March 2013 after being attacked at a bar in Christchurch.

He made his return to international cricket in a one-day international against the West Indies in December of that year.

First Published on April 22, 2014 6:05 PM ISTLast updated on April 22, 2014 6:05 PM IST